Mazda RX-7 Review: The Rotary Rebel That Redefined JDM

TL;DR

• The Mazda RX-7 evolved across three generations — each perfecting rotary power, handling, and JDM soul.
  

• Its 13B-REW rotary engine and twin-turbo setup made it one of the most advanced sports cars of the ’90s.
  

• Today, the RX-7 remains a dream car for enthusiasts, blending raw emotion with pure driving feel — if you can handle its quirks.
  

Keywords: Mazda RX-7, rotary engine, 13B REW, FD3S, JDM sports car, import tuning, RX-7 review, RX-7 specifications, RX-7 aftermarket, RX-7 maintenance, RX-7 buying guide, RX-7 generations, Mazda rotary revival, RX-7 UK import, RX-7 handling

A Legend That Defied Convention

There are cars that impress you — and then there are cars that seduce you. The Mazda RX-7 sits firmly in the latter camp. It’s the car that whispers to you on idle, screams past redline, and leaves a scent of burnt oil and adrenaline in the air. From its debut in 1978, Mazda’s rotary-powered coupe wasn’t just another JDM icon — it was a declaration of defiance against conventional piston engines.

At Stance Auto Magazine, we’ve met owners who’ve poured their lives into RX-7 builds, from pristine OEM restorations to wild widebody monsters. Every RX-7 story starts with fascination and ends in obsession. This review is for anyone who’s ever been tempted by that low, curvy silhouette or the high-revving hum of a rotary that refuses to die quietly.

The Evolution: Three Generations of Rotary Greatness

SA22C / FB (1978–1985): The Birth of the Rotary Dream

The first RX-7 was Mazda’s answer to the sports cars of Europe — light, sharp, and unlike anything else from Japan at the time. The SA22C (later FB) combined simplicity with spirit: a 1.1-litre 12A rotary engine, a near-perfect 50:50 balance, and a driving purity few cars could match.

It didn’t have huge power — around 100 hp — but what it lacked in grunt, it made up for in engagement. The engine spun like it was alive, begging for revs. And when Mazda dropped the larger 13B engine and optional fuel injection, the little coupe became genuinely quick.

You can see echoes of this early purity in builds like the 1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL – A JDM Racing Legend we featured. It’s a perfect reminder that the earliest cars had something raw — a mechanical honesty that still captivates.

FC3S (1985–1991): The Mature Phase

When the second-generation FC3S arrived, Mazda aimed higher. The design grew sleeker, more refined, and the chassis more sophisticated. Independent rear suspension, power steering, and optional turbocharging made it a legitimate Porsche rival.

The 13B turbo pushed around 185–200 hp, transforming the RX-7 from a scrappy underdog into a genuine performance machine. It wasn’t just fast — it was civilised. Air conditioning, plush seats, and a more modern cockpit made it a car you could live with daily… if you were careful with the throttle.

The FC’s personality split the fanbase: purists missed the feather-light nimbleness of the FB, while others celebrated its newfound polish. Either way, the RX-7 was maturing. Mazda had figured out that the rotary didn’t just belong on track days — it could also handle the school run, with a bit of boost.

FD3S (1992–2002): The Pinnacle

Then came the FD3S — the RX-7 that became legend. Low, fluid, and beautiful from every angle, it looked like a concept car that escaped the studio floor. Under that sculpted shell was one of the most sophisticated drivetrains ever put into a 1990s car: the 13B-REW twin-turbo rotary engine.

Two sequential turbos worked in harmony — one delivering instant low-end boost, the other kicking in above 4,500 rpm for relentless top-end thrust. Power sat around 255 hp in export markets and up to 280 hp for Japan’s high-spec Type RZ and Spirit R variants.

And it wasn’t just about speed — it was about feel. Every control, from the steering to the shifter throw, was alive with feedback. The FD danced through corners like few cars before or since, making it a cult favourite in drifting, racing, and the tuning world.

We’ve featured some truly spectacular FD builds that embody this spirit — like Christian Cruz’s 1994 TCPMagic × RocketBunny Mazda RX-7 FD3S and Gabriel Corona’s 1993 Mazda RX-7 OEM Conversion. Each shows a different side of the FD’s soul — one wild, one pure — but both unmistakably RX-7.

The Heart of It All: The Rotary Engine

To understand the RX-7, you must understand its engine — a powerplant so unique that even seasoned mechanics raise an eyebrow when you mention it.

The rotary engine, or Wankel, replaces pistons with a triangular rotor spinning inside an oval housing. Instead of cylinders firing sequentially, the rotor completes intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust in a continuous, fluid motion. The result? Less vibration, a high redline, and a soundtrack like no other.

The 13B’s simplicity — just two rotors and a handful of moving parts — hides its complexity. Apex seals (the rotary’s equivalent of piston rings) endure immense pressure and heat, meaning they wear faster than traditional engines. But when everything’s working, the engine sings — and there’s nothing quite like hearing it scream to 9,000 rpm.

Of course, with great character comes great maintenance. As we explained in How to Prep an RX-7 FD3S for Widebody Fitment, the RX-7’s engine bay demands patience, precision, and often a fair amount of swearing. It’s not an engine for the faint-hearted, but that’s what makes it special.

Driving the RX-7: A Pure, Mechanical Symphony

Slide into an RX-7 and the first thing you notice is how it fits around you. The low-slung seats, short-throw gearstick, and tilted dials make you feel cocooned in purpose. Fire up the rotary and you’re met with a smooth, almost alien hum.

Around town, it’s manageable — but open it up, and the RX-7 transforms. The steering is telepathic, the chassis fluid, and when that second turbo comes online, it’s as if the world shrinks in your mirrors. It’s quick, yes, but it’s also communicative. Every vibration, every twitch through the wheel, tells you what the car is doing.

Unlike many turbocharged cars of its era, the RX-7 doesn’t just shove you forward — it pulls you into rhythm. You dance with the throttle, modulate your inputs, and the car rewards precision. That’s why so many drifters, like Chris Johnston and his 1993 Mazda RX-7, choose this platform. It’s not just a car; it’s an instrument.

The Reality of Ownership

Owning an RX-7 in 2025 is like dating a rockstar. You’ll be mesmerized, broke, and forever addicted.

Let’s be honest: maintenance is where dreams often meet reality. Rotary engines consume oil by design — and they need constant care. Cooling systems, vacuum lines, and turbo seals are frequent pain points. But talk to any long-term owner and they’ll tell you the same thing: it’s worth it.

As one builder put it in our feature on the LS1-swapped Mazda RX-7 with Nitrous, “You don’t own an RX-7 because it’s easy — you own it because nothing else feels the same.”

Parts availability has become trickier, but a growing aftermarket — especially from Japan and the US — keeps the scene alive. Specialists like Rotary Revs and Banzai Racing offer rebuild kits, upgraded seals, and tuning support. You’ll need a trustworthy rotary specialist nearby; not every garage understands these engines.

Still, the reward is unmatched. A healthy RX-7 delivers one of the purest driving experiences on Earth — mechanical, visceral, and alive.

Buying Guide: What to Watch Out For

If you’re hunting your first RX-7, patience and knowledge are your best friends. Always get a compression test — it’s the rotary’s lie detector. Check for overheating, blue smoke on idle, and suspicious “recent rebuild” claims without receipts.

Many FD owners run upgraded radiators, oil coolers, and standalone ECUs to improve reliability. These are green flags, not red ones. However, heavily modified cars — especially those pushing big single turbos — need close inspection.

Mileage matters less than maintenance history. A 100,000-mile RX-7 with diligent oil changes and cooling upgrades can outlive a 30,000-mile garage queen that’s been neglected.

For a glimpse at what dedication looks like, see the 1992 Mazda Efini RX-7 Type R — a perfect case study of what passion and precision can achieve in long-term ownership.

Why the RX-7 Still Matters

The RX-7 isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a benchmark for how a car can feel. In a world shifting to hybrids and EVs, its analog purity feels almost sacred. There’s a growing reverence for cars that connect man to machine without filters, and the RX-7 does that better than most.

Even Mazda seems to agree. As we discussed in Return of Rotary: What Mazda’s Future Means for RX Builders, the brand is experimenting with rotary-based hybrid concepts like the Iconic SP. While it may not be a true RX-7 successor, it’s proof that the rotary heartbeat isn’t gone — it’s just evolving.

Meanwhile, on the streets and showgrounds, RX-7s remain cultural icons. They star in films, dominate drift circuits, and still inspire new generations of builders. The sound of a rotary on full song is an anthem that refuses to fade.

Verdict: Should You Buy an RX-7 Today?

If you’re after practicality, reliability, and peace of mind, walk away. The RX-7 demands more — time, money, and a little madness. But if you want a car that rewards passion, that turns every drive into theatre, and that keeps your hands dirty and your heart full — there’s nothing like it.

The RX-7 is a legend not because it’s perfect, but because it’s imperfect in all the right ways. It’s an experience that modern cars, for all their precision, can’t replicate.

In the world of JDM icons, the RX-7 doesn’t just stand alongside the Supra or Skyline — it transcends them. It’s not about power figures or lap times. It’s about soul.

Related Articles for RX-7 Enthusiasts

To build your RX-7 knowledge and help grow the Stance Auto rotary cluster, check out these connected reads:

1. How to Prep an RX-7 FD3S for Widebody Fitment – A practical deep dive into transforming your FD safely.
   

2. Return of Rotary: What Mazda’s Future Means for RX Builders – How Mazda’s new hybrid concepts could bring back the rotary.
   

3. A Unique JDM-Styled LS1-Swapped Mazda RX-7 with Nitrous – A wild build that proves the RX-7’s versatility.
   

4. 1994 TCPMagic × RocketBunny Mazda RX-7 FD3S – Christian Cruz – A showcase of modern JDM art.
   

5. 1993 Mazda RX-7 OEM Conversion – Gabriel Corona – Proof that factory perfection never goes out of style.
   
   

Final Word:

The Mazda RX-7 isn’t just a car — it’s an identity. It’s a statement that passion still matters in an age of algorithms. Whether you’re restoring one, modifying one, or just dreaming of that rotary idle echoing through a car park, you’re part of something timeless. And that’s why, at Stance Auto Magazine, the RX-7 will always have a place on our pages — and in our hearts.

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